Scouting Newsroomhttp://www.scoutingnewsroom.org
Official Newsroom of the Boy Scouts of AmericaWed, 20 Sep 2017 14:26:28 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.2OA Hackathon Brings Opportunities for Innovationhttp://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/blog/oa-hackathon-brings-opportunities-innovation/
Fri, 15 Sep 2017 14:45:57 +0000http://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/?p=15482This Fall, tech-savvy Arrowmen from across the country will gather at the Intel offices in Folsom, Calif., for the OA Hackathon, bringing new innovations to the Order of the Arrow. From October...

This Fall, tech-savvy Arrowmen from across the country will gather at the Intel offices in Folsom, Calif., for the OA Hackathon, bringing new innovations to the Order of the Arrow.

From October 6 to 8, 2017, participants will be offered hands-on opportunities to develop their skills and “reimagine the way the Order of the Arrow uses technology,” according to Bryan Wendell of Bryan on Scouting.

In his recent blog post, Wendell explains, “this is what cheerful service looks like in the era of smartwatches, self-driving cars and Snapchat.”

Wendell reports that Arrowmen attending the OA Hackathon will learn from Intel engineers and other technology experts, enhance their coding expertise, and collaborate on a range of projects, such as:

Bass Pro Shops is hosting Boy Scouts of America Month at all U.S. locations this September. Throughout the month, Bass Pro Shops will promote Boy Scouts of America, offer merit badge classes, and provide opportunities to raise funds for Scouting projects. This is the eighth year Bass Pro Shops has recognized the Scouts with a month-long celebration.

Bass Pro Shops will offer customers the opportunity to donate to the Boy Scouts of America by rounding up their purchase total to the nearest dollar. At the end of the promotion, 50 percent of the money collected will be donated to the Boy Scouts of America National Council and 50 percent will be given to designated local councils. In addition, Bass Pro Shops will make a contribution for each donation made.

Scouts can work toward earning their fishing and rifle shooting merit badges by attending workshops* at participating Bass Pro Shops locations. Classes are taught Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning at 6 p.m. according to the following schedule:

Tuesday, Sept. 5 – Fishing merit badge class

Wednesday, Sept. 6 –Rifle Shooting merit badge class

Thursday, Sept. 7 – Fish and Wildlife Management merit badge class

Tuesday, Sept. 12 – Rifle Shooting merit badge class

Wednesday, Sept. 13 – Fish and Wildlife Management merit badge class

Thursday, Sept. 14 – Fishing merit badge class

Tuesday, Sept. 19 – Fish and Wildlife Management merit badge class

Wednesday, Sept. 20 – Fishing merit badge class

Thursday, Sept. 21 – Rifle Shooting merit badge class

Tuesday, Sept. 26 – Fishing merit badge class

Wednesday, Sept. 27 – Rifle Shooting merit badge class

Thursday, Sept. 28 – Fish and Wildlife Management merit badge class

Class size is limited, so it is recommended that students call their nearest Bass Pro Shops and register over the phone.

*Merit badge classes and donations available at all U.S. locations except Islamorada, Florida, Branson, Missouri and the Outlet store in Springfield, Missouri. Not available in Canada.

The Boy Scouts of America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®” The Scouting organization is composed of nearly 2.4 million youth members between the ages of 7 and 21 and approximately 960,000 volunteers in local councils throughout the United States and its territories. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America, please visit www.scouting.org.

About Bass Pro Shops®

Bass Pro Shops®, which specializes in outdoor fun, operates 99 stores and Tracker Marine Centers across America and Canada that are visited by more than 120 million people every year. Bass Pro Shops stores, many of which feature restaurants, offer hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor gear while their catalogs and website serve shoppers throughout the world. The company’s Tracker Marine Group® (http://www.trackermarine.com), a leading brand of fishing boats for more than 37 years, manufactures and sells a variety of boats for fishing and cruising. Family fun is on tap at Bass Pro Shops resort Big Cedar Lodge® (http://www.bigcedar.com), voted by Travel + Leisure as one of the top 50 Best Hotels for Families in the U.S. For more information, visit http://www.basspro.com. To request a free catalog, call 1-800-BASS PRO. Follow us on Facebook athttp://www.facebook.com/bassproshops

A wildfire might not be a normal part of a hiking experience, but every year, thousands of Scouts go hiking, and, while they don’t always know what they’ll encounter on those hikes, a good Scout knows it’s important to be prepared.

Scouts talk about stopping a wildfire while on a hike (photo: NBC KING 5 News)

Such was the case for several Scouts from the Boy Scouts of America Chief Seattle Council. They were on a multi-day hike through the Central Cascades when they came upon a wildfire. When the Scouts saw the wildfire, the flames were small, but they were beginning to spread and had an ample fuel source of dried brush and wood nearby.

The Scouts knew that, in this remote area, if they didn’t act quickly and carefully, the wildfire could spread and damage a much larger area.

“The fire was very close to a heavily treed area with a lot of flammable material,” said one of the Scout’s fathers who was on the hiking trip. “If they would not have found this when they did, it could have been much worse.”

The Scouts grabbed items from their packs that would hold water, and they started a bucket brigade to carefully transfer water from a nearby stream to help put out the fire.

“Plan for the worst; hope for the best,” said Jesse F., the Scout troop’s historian. “The Scout’s motto is: be prepared. Luckily we had lots of pots.”

It took the Scouts and their leaders nearly two hours of steady water to extinguish the flames. As they did so, one of the leaders from the group used a satellite phone to call for additional assistance from forest rangers.

Two firefighters hiked into the forest the following day to help ensure that the wildfire was completely extinguished and had not spread.

To learn more about how these Scouts acted bravely to help prevent a fire from burning more of the forest, be sure to see the full story from NBC KING 5 News.

]]>Teen Earns Eagle Scout by Helping Puppieshttp://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/blog/teen-earns-eagle-scout-by-helping-puppies/
Thu, 17 Aug 2017 21:59:15 +0000http://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/?p=15421Roberto D. has always been a fan of animals. In particular, he loves puppies. He and his family are big supporters of their SPCA, so when it came time for Roberto...

Roberto worked with a team of family members and other Scouts to construct several dog beds so that the puppies at the SPCA could lounge in comfort.

Earning Eagle Scout is something that runs in Roberto’s family. His father Jaime and his two uncles had earned Eagle Scout in the same Scout Troop years ago, so when Roberto joined Cub Scouts, he always knew he was going to work to earn Eagle one day.

Of course, Roberto’s journey toward Eagle required him to overcome some challenges his father and uncles never had to face.

Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at a young age, Roberto was aware that he would have issues with mobility as he grew older, but he never let that stop him from experiencing all that Scouting has to offer. He went on hikes and trips with his Scout unit, and other Scouts would help him along the trails so that they could all complete the hikes together.

He also earned all of the merit badges necessary for Eagle as well as many additional badges – some even his father thought he wouldn’t be able to earn.

“It’s always in the back of my mind he’s going to have so many difficulties, but seeing him flourish and be able to do a lot of the things in my mind I didn’t think he’d be able to do, I was really proud that he was able to prove me wrong with a lot of things,” his father said.

To learn more about this impressive Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America Cimarron Council, be sure to read the full story in the Enid News & Eagle.

]]>Scouts’ Experiment Launches into Outer Spacehttp://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/blog/scouts-experiment-launches-outer-space/
Wed, 16 Aug 2017 20:33:27 +0000http://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/?p=15468Monday, a team of Scouts watched in amazement as the project they had diligently designed and built over the last two years blasted into outer space. The launch is part of...

Monday, a team of Scouts watched in amazement as the project they had diligently designed and built over the last two years blasted into outer space.

The launch is part of a unique partnership between the Boy Scouts of America Pathway to Adventure Council and the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) —a non-profit organization that manages the U.S. National Laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS).

The project, now headed for the ISS, is an experiment in DNA mutation. While among the stars, the experiment will test a range of biological samples to see how E. coli cultures mutate in a low-gravity environment.

“At the beginning, it’s just really cool to do something that’s going into outer space,” the team’s mentor Norm McFarland told theChicago Tribune. “By the end, the Scouts were coming up with their own solutions to problems they were finding.”

In about one month, astronauts aboard the ISS will send the experiment back to Earth, where the Scouts will then compare these cosmic mutations to how the same cultures mutate on Earth.

If the Scouts and scientists find gravitationally-based variances in the mutations, the discovery could carry tremendous implications for medical science, such as new methods for growing tissue, or even fighting cancer.

]]>Eagle Scout Saves Four Lives While Surfinghttp://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/blog/eagle-scout-saves-four-lives-while-surfing/
Fri, 04 Aug 2017 16:21:10 +0000http://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/?p=15418When Eagle Scout Caden E. hit the beach with his family to go surfing, little did he know that another family at the beach that day would need his help...

When Eagle Scout Caden E. hit the beach with his family to go surfing, little did he know that another family at the beach that day would need his help to save their lives.

It all started like a normal day with a few small waves and plenty of fun in the sun for Caden and his family. As a kid who has been surfing for several years, Caden decided to paddle a little farther down the beach in search of a bit more of a challenge.

Caden saved four lives while surfing. (photo: Sherry Morrison)

As he paddled toward another break, he noticed a woman far out in the water, frantically waving her hands. He paddled toward her and saw that she had two small children clinging to her, and another small boy was a few feet away. All of them were struggling to stay above water.

The family had been pulled out to sea by a rip current, and they’d been unable to fight the current and swim back to shore. Fatigue was beginning to set in for all of them.

Caden managed to help the woman and the two children with her onto his longboard to help them stay afloat, but as he was doing so, the young boy was overtaken by exhaustion and slipped beneath the waves.

In that moment, Caden knew he had to do something, so he dove down into the water and retrieved the boy, pulling him back to the surface and onto his surfboard.

Once everyone was on the board, Caden began paddling away from the rip current and eventually back toward shore. As he did so, lifeguards and others were swimming out to help bring everyone all the way back to the beach.

“This is an example of the highest ideals of the Boy Scout program,” said John Crowder, a district representative with the Boy Scouts of America Tidewater Council. “This is the sort of person that you’d want to be or want your son to be.”

For his lifesaving efforts, Caden received the Medal of Merit.

To learn more about this remarkable Eagle Scout, be sure to read the full story in The Virginian-Pilot.

]]>BSA Takes STEM Out of the Lab and Into Nature’s Biggest Classroom at the 2017 National Jamboreehttp://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/press-releases/bsa-takes-stem-lab-natures-biggest-classroom-2017-national-jamboree/
Thu, 27 Jul 2017 20:23:02 +0000http://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/?post_type=press-releases&p=15455STEM Quest Experience Weaves Science and Technology into the National Jamboree MOUNT HOPE, West Virginia (July 27, 2017)— The Boy Scouts of America is giving more than 40,000 Scouts, Venturers...

]]>STEM Quest Experience Weaves Science and Technology into the National Jamboree

MOUNT HOPE, West Virginia (July 27, 2017)— The Boy Scouts of America is giving more than 40,000 Scouts, Venturers and Explorers a classroom encompassing 14,000 acres by offering unique STEM experiences at the 2017 National Jamboree. Taking place through July 28, the National Jamboree is filled with opportunities to learn and test STEM skills by exploring the science behind adventure and experiencing the newly expanded STEM Quest area.

“The National Jamboree is the perfect opportunity to combine adventure and STEM to give young people hands-on experiences that are both fun and educational,” said April McMillan, National Director of STEM Programs for the Boy Scouts of America. “From learning the science behind the high-adventure activities at the Jamboree to interactive activities at the STEM Quest area, STEM will be a core element of the 10-day event in the hopes that youth return home with a greater interest to learn more about these fields.”

The STEM Quest area encompasses broad areas of science and technology, hitting on topics such as robotics, engineering, forensics and renewable energy. Exhibits, made possible by the BSA’s partners, include:

NASA / FIRST: NASA and FIRST are giving hands-on training for Scouts looking for a jumpstart on their robotics merit badge. Participants are learning to program LEGO robots to complete missions to Mars and get up-close with some experimental robots courtesy of NASA. NASA is preparing Scouts for the Aug. 21 total solar eclipse and has its Journey to Tomorrow traveling exhibit on display for the week, immersing Scouts in an out-of-this-world interactive experience.

Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS): CASIS, manager of the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory, is providing hands-on STEM activities geared toward Scouts, including launching a CanSat high-altitude balloon 100,000 feet above the Jamboree site. The satellite was designed, launched and retrieved for data analysis by Scouts participating in the CASIS Space Station Explorers program within STEM Quest.

Cognizant’s Innovation Hub: A unique making experience with an opportunity to earn a maker patch is available for Scouts to learn how innovation and technology can be used to create sustainable solutions to real world problems

The MOVE Project: The mobile emergency relief program is demonstrating how technology is used to assist victims of natural disasters.

United States Air Force: The USAF STEM Team is working with youth in building cipher tools to write and decode secret messages while learning about cryptography, encryption and deciphering. They are using GPS to communicate with satellites and find hidden treasures around the STEM Quest site.

US Army Corps of Engineers: The Corps is hosting a watershed station that provides highly interactive environments for exploration of key skills.

Clay Center: The Clay Center is featuring an innovative mobile exhibit that explores the science behind the gas industry. Participants use interactive games and activities to understand the extraction of natural gas, the engineering and technology of processing it and the many uses of this important natural resource.

American Welding Society and Lincoln Electric: The American Welding Society and Lincoln Electric is demonstrating the exciting world of welding inside the Welding Trailer. Participants learn about the science of welding through hands-on activities and get a unique virtual reality experience that will simulate two welding processes.

University of Charleston School of Pharmacy: The University of Charleston School of Pharmacy is featuring opportunities to learn how to help fellow Scouts who face an allergy or asthma attack. Scouts view a simulation mannequin having a reaction to a bee sting or asthma attack and race each other at a quick recall station and more.

Returning to the Jamboree in 2017 is the opportunity for youth to earn an award for exploration in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The Jamboree NOVA award is available for youth who explore fields of focus such as constellations, alternative energy sources, conservation, engineering of bridges, flood control and more.

Gregory H. Johnson, CASIS President and Executive Director and former astronaut, received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award at Boy Scouts of America’s 2017 National Jamboree.

Jamboree events focused on inspiring future STEM professionals is complemented as the BSA’s Distinguished Eagle Scout Award is given to Gregory H. Johnson, two-time NASA space shuttle pilot and CASIS President and Executive Director. This award goes to Eagle Scouts who have achieved extraordinary recognition within their fields and have given back to their communities.

“This honor means a great deal to me,” Johnson said. “The Boy Scouts of America played a big role in my life, and it’s wonderful to see young people inspired and their STEM skills increased because of the organization.”

STEM is an integral part of the Boy Scouts of America’s program, taking every opportunity to encourage the natural curiosity of youth members and their sense of wonder about these fields. “Fostering a strong STEM education is our organization’s best opportunity to boost the spirit of innovation and another way we’re helping all Scouts be prepared for life,” added McMillan.

More information about the National Jamboree can be found on Scouting Newsroom. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America, please visit BeAScout.org.

Photos and videos should be credited as “Photo courtesy of Boy Scouts of America,” “Video courtesy of Boy Scouts of America,” or “Photo: Boy Scouts of America,” “Video: Boy Scouts of America.”

About the Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®” The Scouting organization is composed of nearly 2.3 million youth members between the ages of 7 and 21 and approximately 960,000 volunteers in local councils throughout the United States and its territories. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America, please visit www.scouting.org.

]]>Boy Scouts of America and Polaris Invite 2017 National Jamboree Attendees to Be the First to Experience Off-Road Vehicle Program and Safety Training at the New Polaris OHV Center for Excellencehttp://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/press-releases/boy-scouts-america-polaris-invite-2017-national-jamboree-attendees-first-experience-off-road-vehicle-program-safety-training-new-polaris-ohv-center-excellence/
Thu, 27 Jul 2017 15:33:00 +0000http://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/?post_type=press-releases&p=15447Polaris OHV Center for Excellence will welcome 40,000 Scouts, volunteers, and staff to learn how to ride ATVs the right way, the safe way, while respecting the environment Irving, Texas...

Polaris OHV Center for Excellence will welcome 40,000 Scouts, volunteers, and staff to learn how to ride ATVs the right way, the safe way, while respecting the environment

Irving, Texas (July 27, 2017) – The Boy Scouts of America and Polaris Industries, the leading manufacturer of off-road vehicles (ORVs), debut the opening of the Polaris OHV Center for Excellence, a new world-class ATV experience at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia. The Polaris OHV Center for Excellence is part of a ten-year partnership between the BSA and Polaris to provide off-road vehicles, safety equipment, and ASI Rider Safety Training to local BSA camps and High-Adventure bases around the country. Attendees at the 2017 National Jamboree will be the first users to explore the center and experience the excitement of off-road riding in a safe environment.

“Through the Polaris OHV Center of Excellence, we are thrilled to help Scouts from across the country experience the joy and adventure of riding, while helping them understand how to safely and properly ride our vehicles,” said Stacy Bogart, president of the Polaris Foundation. “Our extensive partnership with the BSA helps us continue to promote and reinforce the importance of responsible riding, especially when a rider is first learning how to operate an off-road vehicle.”

Jamboree attendees are invited to ride along the twists and turns of the new ATV-designated trails and learn how to enjoy the vehicles safely at the ATV educational safety pavilion, in coordination with the National Off Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC). The trails were constructed by NOHVCC to not only be challenging and fun, but also environmentally responsible and safe for riders. After the Jamboree, the trails will be available to all other attendees of the Summit Bechtel Reserve.

“The BSA is committed to developing the leaders of the future by introducing Scouts to fun and exciting adventures they can’t get anywhere else,” said Brad Farmer, Assistant Chief Scout Executive leading the Office of Development for the Boy Scouts of America. “By combining the educational training from the Polaris OHV Center with the character-building programs that the BSA offers, this partnership is a natural fit to provide youth with the opportunity to participate in a dynamic and growing outdoor sport, while also teaching the importance of off-road vehicle safety.”

To rev up the excitement of vehicle safety and fun, Polaris donated a customized Indian “Scout” motorcycle to the BSA, which was featured at the opening show of the Jamboree. Chief Scout Executive Michael Surbaugh drove the motorcycle across the show stage to showcase the Eagle Scout-themed design, customized by the Music City Nashville Indian dealership. The motorcycle will be auctioned at the Mecum Auction on September 8 in Dallas, Texas, with the proceeds going to the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) scholarship fund.

“The National Eagle Scout Association would like to express our appreciation for our partnership with Polaris,” said Dustin Farris, National Eagle Scout Association Director. “We are excited about this opportunity to action off such an iconic machine. As exciting, the funds will go to support sending Eagle Scouts to World Explorer opportunities.”

As the official all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and utility task vehicle (UTV) supplier of the Boy Scouts of America and Summit Bechtel Reserve, Polaris is providing all ATVs and UTVs used in the ATV program, as well as supplying ATVs for additional Jamboree needs such as medical assistance and general transportation.

Media can find more information about the National Jamboree throughout the 10-day event on Scouting Newsroom. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America, please visit BeAScout.org.

About Polaris

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) is a global powersports leader that has been fueling the passion of riders, workers and outdoor enthusiasts for more than 60 years. With annual 2016 sales of $4.5 billion, Polaris’ innovative, high-quality product line-up includes the RANGER®, RZR® and Polaris GENERAL™ side-by-side off-road vehicles; the Sportsman® and Polaris ACE® all-terrain off-road vehicles; Indian Motorcycle® midsize and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot® moto-roadsters; and Polaris RMK®, INDY®, Switchback® and RUSH® snowmobiles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories, along with a growing aftermarket portfolio, including Transamerican Auto Parts. Polaris’ presence in adjacent markets globally includes military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe. Visit www.polaris.com for more information.

About the Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®” The Scouting organization is composed of nearly 2.3 million youth members between the ages of 7 and 21 and approximately 960,000 volunteers in local councils throughout the United States and its territories. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America, please visit www.scouting.org.

To access daily photos of the National Jamboree, please visit the official Boy Scouts of America Flickr photostream found here – http://www.flickr.com/photos/boyscoutsofamerica/. Instructions are as follows. Visit the photostream, choose the photo you want and click on it. In the bottom right corner of the screen just beneath the photo, look for the three dots; click the dots and choose “View all sizes” from the menu that pops up; this enables you to choose the size you want to download. Photos should be credited as “Photo courtesy of Boy Scouts of America” or “Photo: Boy Scouts of America.”

]]>BSA Perspective on Presidential Visits to the National Jamboreehttp://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/press-releases/bsa-perspective-presidential-visits-national-jamboree/
Tue, 25 Jul 2017 21:18:00 +0000http://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/?post_type=press-releases&p=15448The Boy Scouts of America is wholly non-partisan and does not promote any one political position, candidate or philosophy. The invitation for the sitting U.S. President to visit the National...

The Boy Scouts of America is wholly non-partisan and does not promote any one political position, candidate or philosophy.

The invitation for the sitting U.S. President to visit the National Jamboree is a long-standing tradition dating back to President Franklin Roosevelt in 1937. Since then, an invitation to speak has been extended to every U.S. President that has had a Scout Jamboree occur during his term. This 80-year-old custom of inviting Presidents to speak to Scouts is in no way an endorsement of any person, party or policies. Rather, the speaking invitation is based on our “Duty to Country” from the Scout Oath and out of respect for the Office of the President of the United States.

As one of America’s largest youth-serving organizations, the Boy Scouts of America reflects a number of cultures and beliefs. We will continue to be respectful of the wide variety of viewpoints in this country.

]]>Long-standing tradition to Continue with United States President to appear at National Jamboreehttp://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/press-releases/long-standing-tradition-continue-united-states-president-appear-national-jamboree/
Fri, 21 Jul 2017 23:51:33 +0000http://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/?post_type=press-releases&p=15441On Monday, July 24, United States President Donald J. Trump will become the eighth President to join the Boy Scouts of America’s National Jamboree. The President will travel to West...

On Monday, July 24, United States President Donald J. Trump will become the eighth President to join the Boy Scouts of America’s National Jamboree. The President will travel to West Virginia on Monday evening and address approximately 40,000 participants and volunteers at the 2017 National Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve.

The 2017 National Jamboree takes place at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia and brings together boys and girls ages 12 – 18, representing various Boy Scouts of America programs including Boy Scouts, Venturing, Exploring, Sea Scouts and Varsity Scouts. International Scouts representing 60 different nations are also in attendance.

Since its inception in 1910, each sitting U.S. President has served as the Boy Scouts of America’s honorary president. Seven of the 11 U.S. Presidents who were in office at the time of the National Jamboree attended the event in person to address the largest gathering of Scouts in the country. Most recently, President George W. Bush visited the Jamboree in 2005, President William J. Clinton in 1997 and President George H. W. Bush in 1989.

This event is a private event and is not open to the public.

For more information on the President’s public schedule, please contact the White House communications office.

]]>How Scouts Served the West Virginia Community at the 2017 National Jamboreehttp://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/blog/how-scouts-are-serving-the-west-virginia-community-at-the-2017-national-jamboree/
Thu, 20 Jul 2017 18:28:04 +0000http://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/?p=15437During the 2017 National Jamboree, approximately 40,000 attendees flooded the grounds of the Summit Bechtel Reserve in Mount Hope, West Virginia, ready to not only have fun, but also to serve...

During the 2017 National Jamboree, approximately 40,000 attendees flooded the grounds of the Summit Bechtel Reserve in Mount Hope, West Virginia, ready to not only have fun, but also to serve the surrounding West Virginia community.

As part of the complete Jamboree experience, Scouts participated in more than 200 local service projects to benefit 45 of the state’s 55 counties.

The Boy Scouts of America partnered with the Citizens Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Day of Service team to identify service projects ranging from restoring and preserving historical sites and flood remediation to creating art murals and installing a butterfly garden.

“Our efforts had a tremendous impact in 2013, and the response to this statewide opportunity in 2017 has been incredible,” said Robert A. Martin, CEO of CCC in an article published by The Register-Herald. “We are grateful to Governor Justice for his support and we have enjoyed the response from citizens throughout the state as they have nominated projects and worked to see those projects happen.”

For a list of some of the community service projects conducted at the Jamboree and to read the full story, head to The Register-Herald. To learn more about how Scouts contributed during these days of service at the 2017 Jamboree, read the complete press release.

]]>Boy Scouts of America to Serve West Virginia Communities During 2017 Messengers of Peace Days of Servicehttp://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/press-releases/boy-scouts-america-serve-west-virginia-communities-2017-messengers-peace-days-service/
Thu, 20 Jul 2017 16:07:24 +0000http://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/?post_type=press-releases&p=154322017 National Jamboree Participants Contributing More Than 100,000 Hours of Service Toward Community Projects in Nearly Every County Across West Virginia MOUNT HOPE, West Virginia (July 20, 2017)—During the 2017...

]]>2017 National Jamboree Participants Contributing More Than 100,000 Hours of Service Toward Community Projects in Nearly Every County Across West Virginia

MOUNT HOPE, West Virginia (July 20, 2017)—During the 2017 National Scout Jamboree, the Boy Scouts of America is participating in the Messengers of Peace Days of Service. In addition to the fun and adventure of the Jamboree, the six service days are opportunities for Scouts to make a meaningful impact on the lives of residents nearly all counties in West Virginia.

The Boy Scouts of America partnered with the Citizens Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Day of Service team to identify more than 200 projects in local communities. While some projects can be completed in one day, others will require multiple days to complete. Over the course of six days, both before and during the Jamboree, Scouts and volunteers will perform service projects in nearly every county across West Virginia.

“The Boy Scouts of America is proud to give back to the state of West Virginia, and we hope these service projects make a lasting impact in the community,” said Matt Myers, National Jamboree Director for the Boy Scouts of America. “We chose the New River Gorge area as the home of the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve for its stellar beauty and natural resources, so we want to contribute to the region and do what we can to keep it a beautiful place to live and visit.”

Service projects range from restoring and preserving historical sites and flood remediation to creating art murals and installing a butterfly garden. Many of the projects are a continuation from 2013 when the BSA hosted the first Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve and committed to preserving and beautifying West Virginia. The CCC estimates that the combined projects will have an economic impact in West Virginia of more than $7 million.

“We would like to express our gratitude to West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice for his leadership and contributions to Boy Scouts of America and the 2017 National Jamboree,” said Mike Surbaugh, Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America. “We are also appreciative of the Scouts and volunteers who are willing to spend their time at the Jamboree to help the surrounding communities.”

Scouts around the world have been participating in peace-related initiatives for more than 90 years, and in the Messengers of Peace program since it was created by the World Organization of the Scout Movement in 2011. The BSA joined the initiative in 2012 to inspire more young men and women to help Scouting create a better world by solving conflicts in schools, building links between divided communities, teaching peers about health and wellness, and repairing environmental damage.

Approximately 40,000 Scouts, Venturers, volunteers, and staff from across the nation are currently attending the 2017 National Scout Jamboree. During the event, Scouts participate in adventures that reinforce the BSA’s commitment to physical wellness, including nearly six miles of zip line challenge courses, 36 miles of mountain bike trails, and 13 acres of shooting sports, as well as kayaking, rock climbing, bouldering, skateboarding, BMX, and various other activities. The Summit is the permanent home for the National Jamboree, which takes place every four years.

About the Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®” The Scouting organization is composed of nearly 2.3 million youth members between the ages of 7 and 21 and approximately 960,000 volunteers in local councils throughout the United States and its territories. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America, please visit www.scouting.org.

]]>BSA to Host 2017 National Jamboree at Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reservehttp://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/press-releases/bsa-host-2017-national-jamboree-summit-bechtel-family-national-scout-reserve/
Thu, 13 Jul 2017 21:30:12 +0000http://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/?post_type=press-releases&p=15424The Boy Scouts of America will welcome 40,000 people to West Virginia for one of Scouting’s largest celebrations of adventure, service and conservation MOUNT HOPE, West Virginia (July 13, 2017)—Thousands...

]]>The Boy Scouts of America will welcome 40,000 people to West Virginia for one of Scouting’s largest celebrations of adventure, service and conservation

MOUNT HOPE, West Virginia(July 13, 2017)—Thousands of Scouts, Venturers, Explorers, staff, volunteers and community members are preparing to live Scouting’s adventure at the 2017 National Jamboree taking place July 19-28. Last held in 2013, the Jamboree is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for participants and a celebration of Scouting’s commitment to adventure, service, conservation and STEM.

“The 2017 National Jamboree showcases the Scouting mission by combining adventure and leadership development to give youth life-changing experiences they can’t get anywhere else,” said Matt Myers, National Jamboree Director for the Boy Scouts of America. “Over the 10-day event, youth will work toward new merit badges, complete thousands of hours of community service, make new and lasting friendships, and take part in adventures in the beautiful West Virginia wilderness. I want to thank the thousands of volunteers and staff who worked tirelessly to bring the best possible Jamboree experience to the Scouting community.”

Held every four years, the Jamboree is an opportunity for participants, volunteers, and visitors to experience the best of Scouting, all in one place. From one of the longest zip line courses in North America, to world-class skate park and ATV offerings, treetop canopy tours, rock climbing, patch trading and stadium shows, the 2017 National Jamboree features:

The Big Zip – Riders can reach speeds of up to 50 MPH as they soar on one of the longest zip line courses in North America.

The Ropes, The Rocks, and The Canopy – Climbing, rappelling, and more at the largest and most extensive man-made climbing, challenge course, and canopy tour venue in the world.

The Bows and The Barrels – Shooting sports and archery programs, from trap shooting and compact clays to 3-D archery targets and sporting arrows, where participants take aim at moving targets.

Low Gear – Mountain biking on 36 miles of forested trails.

The Trax – BMX biking and at one of the world’s largest facilities.

The Park – Skateboarding at The Park, which features introductory, transition, street, and bowls sections, and a training area with mini ramps, banks, quarter pipes, and a foam pit for practicing aerial tricks.

The Pools and the Lakes – Water sports at The Pools and Goodrich and TriDave lakes, including water obstacle courses, kayak touring, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Polaris® OHV Center of Excellence – A world-class ATV experience where Scouts learn to ride ATV’s the right way, the safe way, while respecting the environment.

“The Jamboree is the richest high-adventure experience, but it’s also an opportunity to develop character and leadership through conservation awareness and community service,” said Michael Surbaugh, Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America. “This year, we expect that Jamboree attendees will contribute more than 100,000 hours of service in support of communities across West Virginia. And throughout the 10 days, participants will further our conservation efforts on the by making the experience here more sustainable, but, more importantly, by also making a commitment to those practices as they return home.”

In addition to fun and adventure, Scouts and adult volunteers will be giving back to the communities that surround the Summit Bechtel Reserve. Over the course of six days, both before and during the Jamboree, Scouts and volunteers will perform more than 100,000 hours total of community service making an impact in nearly every county across West Virginia. The Boy Scouts of America partnered with the Citizens Conservation Corps to identify more than 220 projects in local communities. Projects include flood remediation, painting structures, brush removal, historical preservation and trail work in parks. Scouts will also work in the New River Gorge National River, whose 70,000 acres of land lies next to the Summit Bechtel Reserve.

The Boy Scouts of America has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, and the Summit Bechtel Reserve was designed to reinforce that focus on conservation. Here are a few of the ways sustainability is a consideration in both design and day-to-day actions at the Summit Bechtel Reserve and during the Jamboree:

Energy—The buildings at the Summit Bechtel Reserve are designed to use 30 percent less energy than conventional structures. The Summit Bechtel Reserve has also made investments in on-site renewable energy generation, including geothermal wells, photovoltaic solar panels, and wind turbines to reduce operating costs.

Water—Recognizing its role in protecting the New River, the Summit Bechtel Reserve uses a network of 60 acres of swales and rain garden to treat runoff by filtering it through plants. The Summit Bechtel Reserve also employs gray-water systems, low-flow fixtures, and composting toilets to reduce water use by two-thirds.

Materials—The Summit Bechtel Reserve is committed to thrifty and resourceful use of materials. Timber was salvaged for reuse in structures, while other materials were sourced from within 500 miles of the project to reduce emissions.

Economy—By requiring a 25 percent local labor force and materials from nearby, developing the Summit supported the local economy. Every dollar spent in a local business re-circulates seven more times in the regional economy.

Habitat conservation—A full 10 percent (that’s 1,060 acres) of the site’s most ecologically- valuable land has been dedicated as a nature preserve. The Summit Bechtel Reserve has also planted over 60,000 Appalachian hardwood trees and established native grasses on campsites to restore wildlife habitat. Scouts can also explore the Conservation Trail at Scott Summit Center.

This year marks the 80th year since the National Jamboree’s inception in 1937. Since that time, it has become known as the BSA’s most quintessential event, welcoming youth from different backgrounds, beliefs and cultures to celebrate Scouting and create memories to take with them through their time in Scouting and beyond.

Media can find more information about the National Jamboree throughout the 10-day event on Scouting Newsroom. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America, please visit BeAScout.org.

About the Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®” The Scouting organization is composed of nearly 2.3 million youth members between the ages of 7 and 21 and approximately 960,000 volunteers in local councils throughout the United States and its territories. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America, please visit www.scouting.org.

To access daily photos of the National Jamboree, please visit the official Boy Scouts of America Flickr photostream found here – http://www.flickr.com/photos/boyscoutsofamerica/. Instructions are as follows. Visit the photostream, choose the photo you want and click on it. In the bottom right corner of the screen just beneath the photo, look for the three dots; click the dots and choose “View all sizes” from the menu that pops up; this enables you to choose the size you want to download. Photos should be credited as “Photo courtesy of Boy Scouts of America” or “Photo: Boy Scouts of America.”

]]>Boy Scouts of America Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Community of Christhttp://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/blog/boy-scouts-america-signs-memorandum-understanding-community-christ/
Wed, 12 Jul 2017 14:34:11 +0000http://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/?p=15414A Scout’s “Duty to God” has been addressed by the BSA since the first Handbook for Boys was published in 1911 and continues to be an important aspect of Scouting today. On July 7,...

A Scout’s “Duty to God” has been addressed by the BSA since the first Handbook for Boys was published in 1911 and continues to be an important aspect of Scouting today.

On July 7, 2017, this Scouting pillar was supported as the Boy Scouts of America completed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Community of Christ in Independence, MO.

Chief Scout Executive, Michael Surbaugh and Scott Murphy, director of field ministries for Community of Christ recognized the relationship as an opportunity for both organizations to continue working together to instill strong values in youth.

According to Community of Christ, the first Boy Scout troop west of the Mississippi River was started at the Stone Church, a Community of Christ congregation just a few hundred feet from where the Temple now stands.

For more information on this memorandum of understanding, you can review the details here.

]]>How the 2017 National Jamboree Will Spotlight Local Agriculturehttp://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/blog/2017-national-jamboree-will-spotlight-local-agriculture/
Fri, 30 Jun 2017 16:11:11 +0000http://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/?p=15402Those attending the 2017 National Jamboree are in for a delicious treat! As part of a new partnership with the Boy Scouts of America, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture will bring locally...

As part of a new partnership with the Boy Scouts of America, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture will bring locally sourced food to campers at the Summit Bechtel Reserve during next month’s national event. This dynamic relationship will benefit not only the organizations, but also surrounding communities.

“Hosting Scouting’s biggest adventure in West Virginia is a great source of pride for us,” Summit group director, Todd McGregor said in a news release Wednesday. “Extending our support of this great state by sourcing food from local producers is a natural extension of this deep and valued partnership.”

From fresh honey, to mouthwatering maple syrup, Scouts and Scouters from around the U.S. will get to experience West Virginia’s local fare as they nourish themselves to Live Scouting’s Adventure.

“Working with the Boy Scouts and our West Virginia producers, we will open up huge opportunities for economic development within agriculture,” Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt explained.

Of course, this growth opportunity doesn’t end with the 2017 Jamboree. According to Leonhardt, the Department of Agriculture and West Virginia producers are working on a plan to provide future Summit events with fresh, local provisions.

“The Scouts have an amazing commitment to local food and helping West Virginia. This is a win for our state and the New River Gorge region,” Leonhardt said.

Read more about this partnership and learn about the West Virginia-based farms attending next month’s jamboree in the full article by the Register-Herald, and the news release from the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

]]>Unique Eagle Scout Project Eases Hospital Stay for Kidshttp://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/blog/unique-eagle-scout-project-eases-hospital-stay-for-kids/
Fri, 30 Jun 2017 15:23:34 +0000http://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/?p=15380A hospital can be a pretty unpleasant place for anyone who has to be there to have an illness treated. For children, the fear and discomfort associated with a hospital...

Eagle Scout Logan S. of the Boy Scouts of America Cherokee Area Council wanted to find a way that kids at his local hospital, some of whom were facing serious, life-threatening illnesses, could receive a moment of fun – a chance to just be a kid.

So, to help these children, Logan and a team of volunteers he organized created more than a dozen Lily Pads. These unique devices attach to a rolling IV pole and turn the rolling pole into a ride of sorts for child patients. Because the kids are small, they’re able to stand on the Lily Pad and use the IV pole as a fun means of transportation as nurses or family members pull them around.

To learn more about these remarkable devices Logan created for his Eagle Scout project, be sure to check out the heartwarming full story on Chattanooga News Channel 9.

]]>Boy with Blindness and Hearing Loss Overcomes Challenges to Earn Eagle Scouthttp://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/blog/boy-with-blindness-and-hearing-loss-overcomes-challenges-to-earn-eagle/
Fri, 30 Jun 2017 15:23:09 +0000http://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/?p=15403Scout Daniel P. was born with blindness, and as he’s grown older, he has also suffered from progressive hearing loss. However, that hasn’t stopped him from earning Scouting’s highest honor....

Indeed, he has served as an inspiration to many of the younger Scouts, accomplishing things that some might have previously thought would be impossible because of his blindness.

Daniel, who is a Scout in the Boy Scouts of America Westchester-Putnam Council, admits he has faced challenges along the path to Eagle.

“When you’re trying to supervise an activity and you can’t see if people are slacking off or whatever, so you have be sort of extra, extra alert,” he said.

But those challenges that may have stopped someone else just drove Daniel to work even harder.

He also had help from other members of his Scout troop that even created a special position to make sure that someone was always looking out to help Daniel navigate activities without added difficulty.

To learn more about this remarkable Scout and how he has plans to work at a Scout camp this summer, be sure to watch the whole story from Westchester News 12.

When a massive fire threatened to destroy his family’s ranch, an Eagle Scout’s quick thinking and commitment to be prepared helped protect the ranch from the danger of fire. For his efforts, he earned the Medal of Merit from the Boy Scouts of America.

The Medal of Merit signifies that a Scout has performed an act of service of a rare or exceptional character that reflects an uncommon degree of concern for the well-being of others.

With his father away on a business trip, Eagle Scout Matthew L. of the Boy Scouts of America Great Southwest Council was in charge of preparing the house, moving livestock, and prepping for a possible evacuation.

He and his mother made sure all of the animals were safe and prepared so that they could be moved quickly if the fire approached the ranch. He also mowed grass, cleared away wood, and soaked the barn with water to help reduce the possibility of it burning should the fire reach the property.

The Scout’s preparations were so thorough that when an evacuation order did come for those living nearby, Matthew’s family was granted the ability to remain on their property.

To learn more about how Matthew knew what it means to truly be prepared, be sure to read the full story on mwtelegraph.com.

]]>Eagle Scout Installs Lifesaving AED Units in Local Parkshttp://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/blog/eagle-scout-installs-lifesaving-aed-units-in-local-parks/
Fri, 16 Jun 2017 15:03:37 +0000http://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/?p=15377Imagine being at a local park when someone nearby experiences sudden cardiac arrest. Easy access to an automated external defibrillator, or AED, could mean the difference between life or death...

Imagine being at a local park when someone nearby experiences sudden cardiac arrest. Easy access to an automated external defibrillator, or AED, could mean the difference between life or death for that person.

He installed AED units at local parks (photo: centraljersey.com)

Unfortunately, in many public parks in communities across the nation, there may be no AED available.

For Eagle Scout Jack M., of the Boy Scouts of America Monmouth Council, making the community a safer place was an important goal. For his Eagle Scout project, he decided to install the lifesaving units in the four public parks in his city.

To learn more about how Jack raised funds, installed the devices, and organized an instructional seminar on how to use the devices, be sure to read the full story on centraljersey.com.

]]>Survey Reveals Career Interests of the Future U.S. Workforcehttp://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/press-releases/survey-reveals-career-interests-future-u-s-workforce/
Thu, 01 Jun 2017 14:09:59 +0000http://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/?post_type=press-releases&p=15367STEM Leads the Pack while Skilled Trades Fall Further Behind STEM leads the pack with 45 percent of respondents interested in STEM careers, followed closely by career paths in arts...

STEM leads the pack with 45 percent of respondents interested in STEM careers, followed closely by career paths in arts and athletics.

Only 3 percent of respondents expressed interest in skilled trades.

Gender differences persist in engineering, health, business and technology.

Exploring program poised to bridge the gap from career interests to career experiences

Irving, Texas (June 1, 2017) – Job reports often project future in-demand jobs, but those demands may go unanswered if these careers do not align with the interests of young people – the individuals who will fill the jobs of tomorrow. Exploring, a co-ed career-development program created by the Boy Scouts of America, today released the findings of its Career Interest Survey that sheds light on what today’s young people actually want to be when they grow up. The survey highlights the need for programs that help bridge young people’s career interests with in-demand careers through hands-on experiences.

The survey, which was fielded in 2016 to more than 150,000 students from 6th to 12th grade, gauged interest in more than 200 career options and resulted in a top 10 list that ranged from in-demand medical positions like nurses and physicians to more aspirational positions like professional athletes, singers, and actors. The survey also revealed that childhood ambitions evolve with maturity. Middle school respondents were twice as likely as their twelfth grade counterparts to select careers in athletics and the arts, while interest in health and business careers increased as respondents entered high school. In fact, the most popular careers were in STEM-related fields with 45 percent of respondents expressing the most interest in careers such as physician, mechanical engineer, computer programmer or marine biologist, with the health care field drawing the most interest.

“As a society, we must take the question of ‘what do you want to be when you grow up’ and flip it on its head. It’s a difficult question for many young people to answer and one they shouldn’t have to answer on their own. We must show youth the vast opportunities that exist and explain how their current interests can lead to a rewarding career in the future,” said Michael Surbaugh, Chief Scout Executive, Boy Scouts of America. “Exploring creates a foundation tomorrow’s leaders by allowing youth to explore their interests, discover new talents and begin to chart a path for the future.”

The Exploring program offers young people, ages 10 through 20, the opportunity to spend time in the workplace and learn directly from professionals. These youth gain valuable real-world experiences to help them determine how their interests could translate into career options. Although the Career Interest Survey primarily helps match students with the workplace experiences that best match his or her interests, survey results also point to important emerging trends about America’s future workforce.

Health Care is Hot

Four of the 10 most popular career options cited by survey respondents were in the health care field, an area that is expected to grow in the coming years as the U.S. population grows older. Other science and engineering fields drew interest from 18 percent of respondents, with mechanical engineer rounding out the top 10 fields garnering the most student interest. The top 10 most popular careers include:

Registered nurse

Professional athlete

Artist

Musician/singer

Athletic trainer/sports medicine

Physician/surgeon

Actor/Actress

Veterinarian/Veterinary technician

Photographer

Mechanical engineer

Skilled Trades May Continue to Face Labor Shortages

Only 3 percent of survey respondents expressed interest in one of the skilled trades, and nearly half of those – 46 percent – are interested in automotive work, a field that may experience decreasing demand as vehicle technology advances.

Gender Gaps Persist in Numerous Fields

Female respondents expressed less interest in engineering, business and trades than men, while male students expressed less interest in healthcare, social services, and arts and humanities.

Eighteen percent of male students chose an engineering career, compared to 3 percent of females.

Twelve percent of male respondents expressed interest in a health career compared to 40 percent of female respondents.

Male respondents were twice as likely to choose a business career as women (14 percent vs. 7 percent).

Young women who took the survey were 86 percent less likely than young men to say they want a career in computing – such as programming, support, analytics, and software development.

“In addition to informing career choices, the workplace experiences provided through Exploring can help debunk some of the stereotypes and social patterns that persist today,” Surbaugh said. “If we can help students see that people from all walks of life can succeed in a wide range of fields, we can open their eyes to career opportunities that they may not have previously considered.”

More than 2.8 million young people have participated in the Exploring program since its founding in 1998. To learn more about how to get involved in Exploring, visit www.exploring.org.

About the Exploring Program

The Exploring program is available to youth through Learning for Life, an affiliate of the Boy Scouts of America that provides character, leadership, and career education programs through sponsoring agencies or groups. The Exploring Program is currently offered in nearly 5,000 units nationwide, serving over 110,000 young men and women. To learn more about Exploring and experience all that this program has to offer youth, business leaders and the community, visit www.exploring.org.

About the Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®” The Scouting organization is composed of nearly 2.3 million youth members between the ages of 7 and 21 and approximately 960,000 volunteers in local councils throughout the United States and its territories. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America, please visit www.scouting.org.